Chicago LPN to RN Bridge Programs

• Rasmussen University: Flexible hybrid program with multiple start dates and transfer credit opportunities for LPNs, potentially shortening the time to RN licensure.
• Malcolm X College (City Colleges of Chicago): 3-semester RN bridge pathway with prior learning credit and a track record of strong completion and NCLEX pass rates.
• Triton College: Selective admission LPN to RN track that includes in-person instruction, lab simulations, and clinicals with a focus on skill development.
• Ambria College of Nursing: 16-month LPN-to-RN program with blended learning and flexible scheduling, ideal for working students.
• Saint Xavier University: Bachelor’s-level LPN to BSN program with simulation-based training and advanced placement credit for prior LPN coursework.
• Joliet Junior College: Three-semester transition program with small class sizes and no expiration on prerequisite coursework.

The program consists of 102 credits and includes a blend of online coursework, on-campus lab simulations, and clinical experiences. Students can complete the program in as few as 18 months if they are coming in as an LPN with qualifying transfer credits. Without transfer credits, the full-time program is estimated to take 21 months and cost approximately $53,478. However, LPN-to-RN students typically pay less depending on how many credits transfer.

There are 25 total courses, and the curriculum includes subjects such as Nursing Care of the Older Adult, Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing, Professional Nursing Skills, and Leadership and Professional Identity. The program is designed to prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam upon completion.

Admission does not require any prerequisite coursework, and Rasmussen offers up to eight start dates per year. Applicants may qualify by passing an entrance exam or holding a qualifying higher education degree. Transfer credit reviews are typically completed within one business day, and self-directed assessments are also available to further reduce course load and tuition.

Students receive prior learning credit for Nursing 101 and begin the program with Nursing 102 in the fall semester. In the second semester, students complete Nursing 210 and Nursing 211, followed by Nursing 212, 213, and 203 in the final semester. Each course must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher.

Applicants must meet several prerequisites, including college-level coursework in biology, chemistry, English, and math. Biology 226, 227, and Microbiology 233 must be completed within the past five years, while other prerequisites must be completed within ten years. All 100-level prerequisites and at least two 200-level science courses must be completed before admission; the third may be completed later.

The program has shown strong outcomes, with recent completion rates between 85–94% and NCLEX-RN pass rates ranging from 85–92%. Tuition is charged per credit hour and varies by residency status: $153 for in-district, $403 for out-of-district, and $505 for out-of-state or international students.

Students are encouraged to reach out to academic advisors for help with prerequisites, enrollment steps, financial aid, and veteran services. Classes are held at the Malcolm X campus in Chicago and include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.

The LPN to RN option requires successful completion of foundational science, math, and general education courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, and English composition. All must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher before applying. The full RN program consists of 60 total credit hours, with 34 credits dedicated to nursing-specific coursework. LPNs may be eligible to bypass the first year of courses through the transition class and proficiency evaluations.

Course delivery includes in-person lectures, lab simulations, and clinical experiences across healthcare facilities. The program focuses on developing both technical skills and critical thinking through hands-on learning and problem-solving exercises.

Tuition for in-district students is approximately $148–$250 per credit hour, depending on the course. Out-of-district and international rates are higher. Admission is competitive and based on a point system that includes TEAS scores, GPA, and prior academic history. Information sessions are highly encouraged for applicants to understand program expectations and requirements.

The curriculum blends classroom instruction with clinical practice and includes the NUR 110 course, Practical to Professional Transitions, which replaces the general academic success course. Classes may be delivered in a blended format—combining in-person and online sessions—with both synchronous and asynchronous instruction methods. Clinical orientations and health compliance requirements, including drug testing and proof of COVID-19 vaccination, must be completed prior to starting clinical courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Additional requirements include a background check, drug screening, official transcripts, and participation in a faculty interview. New students must attend both a new student orientation and clinical orientation if enrolled in relevant courses.

The program costs an estimated $31,800 for nursing credits only. Flexible full-time and part-time schedules are available, including day and evening classes. Graduates are prepared to manage patient care, collaborate with healthcare teams, and meet legal and ethical nursing standards. Ambria offers support through small class sizes, qualified faculty, and a modern facility equipped for nursing education.

The program grants advanced placement credit after completing 12 nursing credit hours with a GPA of 2.3 or higher. Classes cover subjects like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, as well as care across the lifespan. Clinical placements occur in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, home health, and public health environments. Simulation training is a core part of the curriculum, conducted in SXU’s on-campus Simulation and Integrated Learning Center.

To apply, students must have an active LPN license from an ACEN-accredited program, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, and a proficient score (58.7% or higher) on the ATI TEAS exam. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a personal essay, and complete all required prerequisites before starting nursing coursework. Prerequisites include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, statistics, and nutrition.

Classes are held on campus with fall and spring start dates. Students admitted as LPN to BSN majors can bypass the first semester of the traditional BSN program, allowing them to complete the five-semester sequence in four. The program is CCNE-accredited and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and future graduate study.

The curriculum includes a mix of traditional classroom instruction, online learning, high-fidelity simulation, and clinical experiences in local healthcare facilities. Students must complete several prerequisite general education courses—including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, English, psychology, and communications—with a grade of “C” or better before applying. A 4-credit elective is also required.

To be admitted, applicants must pass the ATI TEAS entrance exam with a minimum score of 60. A score of 82 or higher guarantees admission if all other requirements are met. Admission ranking is based on TEAS scores (40%) and GPA in core general education courses (60%). JJC gives preference to in-district applicants.

Class sizes are kept small to enhance instruction and clinical learning. There is no expiration date for general education coursework. Students can expect to pay $267 per credit hour for NURS courses, with additional fees for labs and supplies. The transition course is offered only in the spring semester, with the next available application window in October for spring entry. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion.

If you’re seeking a fast-track, flexible option, Ambria College of Nursing stands out with its 16-month blended program and varied scheduling (day, evening, part-time, or full-time). It’s ideal for working adults and offers a relatively short path to licensure, but costs may be higher than community colleges.

For those focused on affordability, Malcolm X College and Joliet Junior College offer some of the lowest in-district tuition rates. Joliet also keeps general education coursework valid indefinitely, which benefits students returning to school after a break. Its small class sizes and local clinical placements are a plus for personalized learning.

If you’re looking for a more robust, simulation-driven experience with a path to a bachelor’s degree, Saint Xavier University’s LPN to BSN program may be worth the investment. It offers a strong simulation lab environment and a direct path to a BSN, which may open more long-term career opportunities, especially in leadership or specialized care.

Rasmussen University is a good fit if you want frequent start dates and a hybrid format with the potential to save time and money through transfer credits. However, costs can be higher unless substantial credit is granted.

Triton College offers a balanced, clinically rich program that integrates critical thinking and practical skills development. While admissions are competitive, the selective structure ensures a solid educational foundation and community clinical experience.

We’ve gathered as many program details as possible to help you compare options clearly. Still, we strongly recommend contacting the schools directly. Ask about instructor quality and engagement, class sizes, student support, career services, and what the learning environment feels like day to day. The attitude of the staff and how supported you feel during the inquiry process can reveal a lot about the school’s culture—and how much they value your success.